Miami Ohio University Athletics
Miami Streaking Heading to Ball State
10/16/2003 12:00:00 AM | Football
Oct. 16, 2003
BY ANDY RESNIK Associated Press
Ball State has had two weeks to prepare for Miami of Ohio. Cardinals coach Brady Hoke isn't sure that's long enough.
The RedHawks' team heading into Muncie, Ind., on Saturday is clicking in all phases of the game. Their offense, defense and special teams all have been making big plays since a season-opening 21-3 loss at Iowa.
"I don't know what matchups we can take advantage of because in all three phases of the game they're playing fast, they're playing with great confidence," said Hoke, whose team was idle last weekend. "They're going to be our toughest test to this date."
Miami's defense nearly shut out Buffalo last Saturday - allowing only a field goal in a 59-3 rout - after holding Akron's high-octane offense to 20 points the week before.
On offense, the RedHawks (5-1, 2-0 Mid-American Conference) have been scoring at will, putting up 44, 41, 42, 45 and 59 points in the last five games - all victories.
The special teams also have provided Miami with a spark. Ryne Robinson returned consecutive punts for touchdowns in the first quarter against Buffalo and set a MAC record with 237 punt return yards.
"Across the board, you know it's kind of success breeds success," Miami coach Terry Hoeppner said. "The guys are feeling good about themselves and cutting loose and making some plays, as evidenced by our punt return team.
"All of a sudden they feel 'If I go block my guy, we might have a chance to score on this play.' And that makes each guy more responsible. I like the way we're playing on offense and I really like the way we're playing on defense. We're taking the game to the other team, we're playing fast, we're attacking them," Hoeppner said.
While studying film of the RedHawks, Hoke would be well advised to watch the Iowa game. The Hawkeyes constantly harassed quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, sacking him five times and forcing four interceptions.
Since then, Roethlisberger has lived up to the preseason billing as one of the nation's best quarterbacks. He's averaging 332.6 yards passing over the past five game while throwing 13 touchdown passes against only three interceptions.
The Cardinals (3-3, 2-0) have to find a way to pressure Roethlisberger.
"Ben's obviously athletically very blessed," Hoke said. "He's got a great arm, but I think his decision-making has been outstanding. You can tell he's the leader of that team the way he plays."
The matchup also features two teams that are trying to stay on top of their respective divisions.
Miami comes in alone in first place in the MAC East, with a one-game lead over Akron, Kent State and Marshall. Ball State is in a four-way tie for first in the West with No. 12 Northern Illinois, Bowling Green and Toledo, and Western Michigan is only a half-game behind.
With Ball State having an extra week to prepare for Miami, Hoeppner is concerned the Cardinals may have some new wrinkles in their playbook that the RedHawks haven't seen on film.
sort of.
"I feel pretty good about us right now, but you're only as good as your next game," he said. "And we've got a big one coming up this week."
Elsewhere in the MAC on Saturday, Marshall is at Buffalo, Toledo at Central Michigan, Western Michigan at Northern Illinois, Bowling Green at Eastern Michigan and Central Florida at Akron. Ohio travels to Kentucky and Kent State hosts Connecticut in non-conference games.
